I am a caregiver for my dad, who I believe has dementia or Alzheimer's. He has hallucinations and sees things that aren't there.
I don't know where to start to find out if this is the case. I have read different things that could trigger this — dehydration, medications, infections — but my dad says if nothing hurts it's ok, so I have to fight with trying to get him care.
Where do I begin? The Office of Aging doesn't seem to have resources or suggestions that I can find. I just want advice, I don't want 100 calls from people who just want to make money off his condition. I just want to read what my options are. Any advice?
Go to Alzheimers.org for information.
Contact his MD.
Document ALL incidents that support your findings / observations (what, when (date and time) and explanation of what happen(ed)(s).
Gena / Touch Matters
Time to write down all symptoms.
Your first order of business is to get dad to his doctor for an exam and with your list of symptoms. Once he has a diagnosis it is time for him to seek safe care. If he won't do that you will need a visit (not phone call) with APS to see to it that the state takes care and guardianship if Dad won't allow you to get him safely placed.
You are clear in what you don't want as far as phone calls and etc., but you seem not to know what Dad now NEEDS.
Dementia isn't "triggered". If your father is showing signs (and the internet is your friend here; it is flooded with symptoms) of dementia, then dehydration isn't an issue. Dementia is. And you have to have a diagnosis.
I would start out the week with a call to his MD telling him what you have told us.